Theo Jansen

Designs by TheoJansen
Theo Jansen is a Dutch kinetic artist, creating new forms of life since 1990. He is father to the "Animari" beach creatures, or "Strandbeests", made of PVC tubing, that walk the beach powered by the wind. As time progresses the Beests evolve, with the ultimate goal of living their lives on their own.

Theo Jansen's Strandbeests have found a way to multiply by injecting their digital DNA directly into the Shapeways system. From now on several small strandbeests are available from his shop. Next to being a great abstraction of the inspiring work of Theo Jansen, these Strandbeests are also an example of what 3D printing is ultimately capable of. Right after birth from the 3D printer these models will work straight away and do NOT require any assembly.

Multiple prototypes were used to come to the first viable solution, "Animaris Geneticus Parvus" #5. But the evolution process continues with evolutions #6 with lightweight bone structure and #7 with pointy feet.

Theo Jansen’s 3D printed Strandbeest now continues to evolve with the addition of a Propeller Propulsion system! The  3D printed Strandbeests can now walk autonomously, powered by the wind, just like Theo's full-scale Strandbeests. The new propeller add-on gives new and existing owners of these kinetic sculptures a new way to set them in motion!

3D printing is very suitable for rapid design changes, and as time goes by the Beests will evolve and new types of DNA will be added to the store, while others are removed. Expect more evolutions and variations in the future, with possible variation in size, shape, material or means of propulsion.

Watch Theo Jansen and the "making of" video here.

Watch the new Propeller Propulsion video here.

And you can find our instruction video on mounting the Propeller Propulsion add-on, here.

We found 4 products by TheoJansen

by TheoJansen
[Note: The seperate propeller does not fit the Ondula version! We are working on a propeller for the Ondula]

Theo Jansen’s 3D printed Strandbeest continues to evolve with an even more elaborate walking mechanism and a centipede-like walking motion. The latest evolution called 'Animaris Geneticus Ondularis' walks on twenty separate legs that move in a wave sequence. This new configuration results in a fluent walking motion, different from its twelve legged predecessors. It incorporates 122 moving parts, showcasing the complexity of mechanisms possible with 3D printed fabrication. It is also slightly larger than its predecessors. The operating principle of 'Animaris Geneticus Ondularis' is based on one of Theo Jansen's original beach walkers, the 'Animaris Ondula'.

Currently there is no propellor available for this version, it is being worked on though!

In the movie we used a piece of cardboard for walking on. Anything will do as long as it's a little rough for some friction!
 
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From: $106.83
 
by TheoJansen
The first public evolution of the Animaris Geneticus Parvus, #5. Featuring a fully working Theo Jansen mechanism as used in his work "the Rhinoceros". The mechanism is printed assembled, and will work without further assembly right after birth from the printer.
Also see our new Propeller Propulsion add-on, to have your Strandbeest walk autonomously!

A few tips to consider:

- After birth there might be a little powder left in some joints, or it might not go supersmooth. This will fix itself after the animal has a little bit of practice!

- Some surfaces work better than others. The legs require a little friction, and a flat surface. So for example: A rough table or floor, thin flat carpeting, or a thin rubber sheet. 

- The best way to push it is by its nameplate. Do not push down, but forward
 
(68)  
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From: $97.16
 
by TheoJansen
[Note: This propeller propulsion add-on does not include a 3D printed Strandbeest, which should be bought seperately! This propeller does not fit the Ondula version!]

Theo Jansen’s 3D printed Strandbeest continues to evolve with the addition of a Propeller Propulsion system! The 3D printed Strandbeests can now walk autonomously, powered by the wind, just like Theo's full-scale Strandbeests. The new propeller add-on gives new and existing owners of these kinetic sculptures a new way to set them in motion!

The propeller addition is available as a separate kit, which can be mounted on the 3D printed Strandbeests. The propeller is compatible with the various evolutions of the Strandbeest, so existing owners of the “AGP” 5 and 7 model Strandbeests can use it as well. Consisting of 5 main parts, it can be mounted on the Strandbeest body in a few simple steps.
Also see our videos of the Strandbeest Propulsion in action, and the video with mounting instructions.

The 3D printed Strandbeest is sold separately.

A few tips to consider:

- Please look at our instruction video on mounting the Propeller Propulsion add-on, here.

- After mounting the Propeller Propulsion add-on it is best left mounted. Frequent dis-assembly can wear down the material which can result in play on the mechanism.
 
(40)  
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From: $39.87
 
by TheoJansen
The third public evolution of the Animaris Geneticus Parvus. #7 has evolved legs, with pointy feet instead of flat. Featuring a fully working Theo Jansen mechanism as used in his work "the Rhinoceros".
Also see our new Propeller Propulsion add-on, to have your Strandbeest walk autonomously!

The mechanism is printed assembled, and will work without further assembly right after birth from the printer.

A few tips to consider:

- After birth there might be a little powder left in some joints, or it might not go supersmooth. This will fix itself after the animal has a little bit of practice!

- Some surfaces work better than others. The legs require a little friction, and a flat surface. So for example: A rough table or floor, thin flat carpeting, or a thin rubber sheet. It will slip on a too smooth surface.

- The best way to push it is by its nameplate. Do not push down, but forward.

- The beest is light, but quite strong. It can actually be dropped without breaking. It is not a "toy" however, and not suitable for children. The 3D printer material is easy to stain so clean hands are advised.
 
(127)  
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From: $96.15
 
Shop Details
Theo Jansen's 3D printed Strandbeests, wind propulsion, complex walking mechanism, Strandbeest evolutions, Animaris Geneticus Parvus

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